LOS ANGELES -- Mayor Villaraigosa issued the following statement today after the United States Senate blocked the DREAM Act:

"I am disappointed that the United States Senate blocked the DREAM Act today. This sensible, pragmatic piece of legislation would have strengthened our economy and infused the talent and skills of hard-working, educated young adults into our country's workforce and military.

Unfortunately, what is right for America and just for millions of young people who know America as home, was superseded by a minority of Senators who chose not to act in the best interest of the nation.

While today is not the day we had hoped for, we will continue to move forward in our efforts to reform our nation's immigration laws."